Device for dispensing twisted barbed tape



-Pl 23, 1958 M. W. BOBOLTS ETAL 3,379,386

`DEVCE FOR DISPENSNG TWISTED BARBED TAPE Filed July l5, 1966 INV ENT ORS.

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ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent O 3,379,386 DEVICE FOR DISPENSING TWISTED BARBED TAPE Melbourne W. Bobolts, 5292 Berkshire, Detroit, Mich.

48224, and James R. Crooks, 22460 LaVon, St. Clair Shores, Mich. 48080 Filed July 15, 1966, Ser. No. 565,446 9 Claims. (Cl. 242-55) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dispenser for barbed -wire in generally cylindrical configuration with Van apertured end opening for pulling the barbed tape therethrough, a plurality of separators spaced longitudinally of the container, each separator having a central opening therein and a plurality of radially outwardly wound reels of barbed tape the outer end of one tape being connected to the inner end of the next succeeding tape for dispensing by pulling such that the tape is twisted as it is dispensed is disclosed.

This invention relates to a device for dispensing tape, and more particularly to a device cooperating with the characteristics of the tape to produce a Ipermanently twisted tape suitable for fencing and the like. Specifically, the invention relates to a device for dispensing twisted barbed tape although its use is not so limited.

It is well known in the prior art to use barbed wire for both military and civilian purposes. It has been found that a barbed metallic tape may be used to great advantage in many circumstances. Barbed tape is characterized by a generally flat structure having a plurality of spaced barbs on the edges lying in a plane with the remainder of the tape. One diiculty in using barbed tape is that it must be twisted about its longitudinal axis to expose barbs on all sides of the assembled fence.

In brief terms, the instant invention comprises a dispensing device for barbed tape in which the tape is twisted during the `dispensing operation. The tape is selected such that it will retain its twisted configuration rather than spring back to its original planar configuration upon the release of pulling forces that extract the tape from the dispenser. Structurally, the device of the instant invention comprises a receptacle having an outlet opening and receiving one or more annular barbed tape coils in side to side relation with the coils being characterized by an increasing diameter spiral winding so that it -may be unspooled from the inside out.

It is accordingly an object of the instant invention to provide a device for dispensing bar-bed tape into Ia permanently twisted configuration thereby exposing barbs on all sides of the tape. Another object of the instant invention is to provide a dispensing device for barbed tape receiving one or more tape coils in side by side relationwith the outer end of each coil being connected to the inner end of the nex-t succeeding coil.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a barbed tape dispensing device of the character described which is compact, inexpensive to manufacture, convenient to use and foolproof in operation.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a barbed tape dispenser which may be configured into various shapes preferably provided with a handle for convenient carrying and dispensing.

Other objects and advantages of the instant invention reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts and features of construction and operation, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawing wherein there is shown a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

3,379,386 Patented Apr. 23, 1968 ICC In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of one form of dispensing device of the instant invention, certain parts being broken away to reveal a plurality of barbed tape coils received therein;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of the dispenser of FIGURE l, certain parts being broken away to illustrate the annular nature of the barbed tape coils disposed therein;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of a partition placed between the barbed tape coils disposed in the devicefof FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of another form of barbed tape dispensed of the instant invention, certain parts' being broken away to illustrate the coils placed therein;

FIGURE 5 is an end elevational View of the embodiment of FIGURE 4, certain parts being broken away to illustrate the annular nature of the barbed tape coils;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of one of the barbed tape coils illustrating the annular nature thereof with the tape being wound in an increasing diameter spiral nature;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged top plan View illustrating the configuration of the tape interconnecting the outer end of one coil and the inner end of the next succeeding coil; and

FIGURE 8 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the interconnections between successive rolls of tape.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, wherein like reference characters designate like elements throughout the several views thereof, the barbed tape dispenser of the instant invention is illustrated generally at 10 comprised of a receptacle shown generally at 12 receiving a plurality of substantially identical barbed tape coils 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, although it should be understood that the device of the instant invention is not limited to a plurality of coils. Coils 14 to 28 are rolled from a continuous strip of barbed tape 30 having a plurality of barbs 32 along the lateral edges thereof. When an individual pulls tape 3G out of receptacle 12 it will twist in the manner shown in FIG- URE 1. Since tape 30 is selected such that it will permanently deform into the twisted configuration shown, it will be apparent that barbs 32 will be pointed in all directions even after the pulling forces are relaxed. Tape 39 may then be secured to suitable posts or otherwise positioned in a convenient manner.

Receptacle 12 includes a substantially closed peripheral wall 34 capped by a pair of end walls 36 and 38 forming openings 40,42 substantially concentric with the axis of receptacle 12. A handle retaining bracket 44 is preferably secured to peripheral wall 34 and pivotally receives a suitable handle 46 for conveniently carrying receptacle 12. Positioned inside receptacle 12 and spacing the barbed tape coils apart is a plurality of partitions shown generally at 48 comprising a plate 50 of complementary configuration to peripheral wall 34 forming a central opening 52 and a plurality of slots 54 radiating from opening 52 as shown in FIGURE 3.

Partitions 48 are provided to prevent barbs 32 of adjacent coils hooking together during the pay-out operation. If the coils are made from a single piece of tape, one of slots 54 may be extended to the periphery of plate 50 thereby allowing partitions 48 to be inserted between successive coils. In the event that it is deemed desirable to roll each of the barbed tape coils independently and weld or otherwise connect the outer end of the tirst coil to the inner end of the second, partitions 48 may be inserted prior to the welding operation thereby rendering the elongate slot unnecessary. Slots 54 are provided to allow ready deformation of plate 50 during the pay-out operation thereby avoiding unnecessary hanging up of barbed tape 3 30. Since barbs 32 will tend to cut through partitions 48 upon the extraction of tape 30, it will be evident that slots 54 may be omitted if desired.

An important feature of the instant invention resides in the twisted effect produced on tape 30 during the pay-out operation. This is caused by the spirally wound nature of the coils as illustrated in FIGURE 6 where tape 30 is spirally wound in an increasing diameter configuration. It will be lnoted that coil 14 is substantially annular to allow the ready extraction of the inner end of tape 30. Since the paid out tape will undergo a complete twist for each con-.

volution of coil 14, it is thus seen that a plurality of separate coils of the instant invention is more efiicient in producing a twisted wire tape than would a single large coil having the same footage of tape. Tape 30 s constructed of a metallic material having the characteristic of permanently deforming into the twisted configuration shown in FIGURE l upon the pay-out of tape 30 from coil 14. Although many different types of metals and alloys may be used successfully, one example used in the device of the instant invention is a tape of mild steel composition. It should be apparent, however, that the device of the instant invention may be used with any type of tape, barbed or unbarbed, that must be twisted about its longitudinal axis for use.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, the inner barbed tape end 56 of coil 14 is folded at 58 along a substantially 45 angle to expose inner end 56 out of coil 14 thereby providing a convenient means for grasping the inner end of coil 14. It should be readily apparent, however, that many suitable means may be provided for grasping the inner end of coil 14.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 8, one manner of connecting the outer end of coil 14 and the inner end of coil 16 is illustrated, it being understood that any suitable arrangement may be used to effect this relation. As shown best in FIGURE 7, tape 30 is folded at 60 along a substantially 45 angle to place the outer end of tape 30 against coil 14 and extending toward coil 16. Tape 30 is then folded at 62 along a 90 angle with tape 30 extending toward the center of coil 14 along one side thereof as shown in FIGURE 8. Tape 30 is then folded along a substantially 90 angle and extends toward the center of coil 16 through opening 52 of partition 48. Tape 30 is then folded at 66 along a substantially 45 angle to start the inner convolution of coil 16. It is preferred that the spirals of coils 14 to 28 run in the same direction, i.e. they all run clockwise or they all run counterclockwise as shown in FIGURE 6. This is preferred since the twists produced in tape 30 are all in the same direction thereby avoiding the twists of one coil unwinding the twists of an adjacent coil.

Referring now to FIGURES 4 and 5, another form of barbed tape dispenser is shown generally at 68 comprised of a receptacle designated generally at 70 receiving a plurality of coils indicated generally at 72, 74, 76, 78. Receptacle 70 includes a closed peripheral wall 80 sealed at each end by an end plate 82, 84 each of which forms an opening 86, 88 concentric with the axis of receptacle 70. From a comparison of receptacles 12, 70, it should be readily apparent that they may be of any suitable shape, configuration, and may be provided with a handle if desired. In addition, receptacle 12 may be made of many suitable materials, such as corrugated packing box material, pressboard, metal, wood, plastic or any other suitable material.

A plurality of partitions 90 configured to be received closely Within peripheral wall 80 and otherwise generally similar to partition 48 are positioned within receptacle 70 to separate each of coils 72, 74, 76, 78 to perform the functions previously mentioned. Since coils 72 to 78 are substantially identical when compared to coils 14 to 2S and since the operation of dispenser 68 is substantially identical to dispenser 10, further comment is deemed unnecessary.

It is thus seen that there is herein provided an improved device for dispensing twisted barbed tape which accomplishes all of the objects and advantages of the instant invention and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

Since many embodiments may be made of the instant inventive concept, and since many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and'described, it is to be understood that the foregoing is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. A device for dispensing twisted tape comprising:`

a receptacle having a peripheral wall substantially Closed about au axis, and

at least one end wall sealing the end of the receptacle forming an outlet opening substantially concentric about the axis; and

a plurality of annular tape coils in the receptacle perpendicular to the axis, each coil being characterized by an increasing diameter spiral winding, the inner end of a lirst coil -being positioned for convenient grasping, the tape having the characteristic of per-` manently deforming into a twisted configuration resulting from pulling the tape through the outlet opening, said dispenser including a partition between adjacent coils, having a central opening through which the outer end of each coil is connected to the inner end of the next succeeding coil.

2. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein the partition includes a plurality of slots extending outwardly from the opening toward the periphery of the partition.

3. The tape dispenser of claim 1 further including a handle, secured with the receptacle, providing a convenient means of carrying the dispenser.

4. The tape dispenser of clairnl wherein the inner end of a first coil is bent toward the opening providing for the convenient grasping thereof.

5. The tape dispenser of claim 4 `wherein theV inner end of the rst coil extends through the opening.

6. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein the connection between the outer end of each coil and the inner end of the next succeeding coil comprises a continuous extension of tape.

7. The tape dispenser of claim 6 wherein the continuous extension is folded along a substantially 45 angle at the outer periphery of the coil to extend toward the next succeeding coil,

folded along a substantially angle toward the axis of the receptacle,

folded along a substantially 90 angle toward the next next succeeding coil and folded along a substantially 45 angle at the inner periphery of the next succeeding coil.

8. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spiral configurations of the coils all wind in the same direction.

9. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein the tape forms a plurality of barbs along at leastone edge thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,495,174 5/1924 Harmon 242-167 X 1,927,343 9/1933 Heil 206-59 2,490,837 12/1949 Scott 242-167 X 2,954,942 10/1960 Raus 242-129 3,145,524 8/ 1964 Dewelle 242-167 X 3,150,808 9/1964 Vensel 242-164 X FOREIGN PATENTS 895,308 5/1962 Great Britain.

WILLIAM S. BURDEN, Primary Examiner. 

